Speculation swirls over potential mayoral candidates

Torontonians won't vote in a municipal election until November of next year, but there's speculation already as to who will try to unseat the city's mayor.

Incumbent David Miller seems vulnerable after the recent civic strike. A recent Ipsos Reid poll of 443 Toronto residents found 79 per cent of them thought it's time for a new mayor.

Ralph Lean, a Toronto lawyer who has been involved in election campaigns at all levels for decades, mainly as a conservative insider, co-chaired Miller's last campaign. But he's not supporting Miller this time around.

"I think the best way to beat him is with one strong candidate. The problem is, I'm not sure how you get there," Lean said. "I've never seen a politician who people have come to me that they're so unhappy with, and never for the same reason."

The field of potential candidates hoping to tap into that discontent is crowded. Ontario Energy Minister George Smitherman and former Progressive Conservative leader John Tory are the big names.

Neither has made it official yet, but both said they will decide soon.   Tory, who lost to Miller in the 2003 mayoralty race, said his decision won't be affected by what Smitherman decides to do.

"There are people telling me that it's the perfect time. All I know is that this city is not performing up to its potential. It can do so much better and be so much better," said Tory, who's taken up work as a weekday radio talk-show host. "It needs strong leadership."

Some current and former council members may also take the plunge.

Jane Pitfield has mused about running again after her failure to unseat Miller in 2006, as has Coun. Karen Stintz.

"There are certainly benefits that I bring being on council for the last seven years," Stintz said. "I've seen decisions that have been made and I've seen how council functions. I believe that provides me with a unique perspective."

Torontonians will head to the polls Nov. 8, 2010.